Loehman's in Chevy Chase, Neiman Marcus when they have one of their semi-annual sales (prices are about the same as non-sale Ann Taylor for much better quality), same for Saks. Talbot's.

Everyone says that they get more fun...I'm looking forward to that time

I brush my DS's teeth maybe twice a week. I also hate myself when my sister in-laws tell me how much they loved staying at home iwth their kids and what good mothers they are when I'm struggling to keep my sanity with the utter tedium of taking care of a baby and feel happy that I work PT so I can have some adult time! I also hate that I'm obessed with thinking of all the sleepless nights and work that #2 will bring in a few months instead of being happy that I'm pregnant. I sometimes think that I'm not cut out to be a mom.

Live in DC, work PT in Arlington. I think the board is pretty representative of both the burbs and DC. I wouldn't want it to be restricted b/c I don't mind running to the burbs for stuff that's worth it.

The Estate Tax threshold is presently $2 million. Do we include our house or just all of our investments/401Ks?

If you're going as far as VA Square, I'd check out the NSF facility in Ballston too. It's really great, but the waitlist is super long b/c it does have an tons of programs and an outdoor playground.

My next door neighbor, who we're friendly with, but not very close to, has been in the hospital on and off for a month. We'd still like to do something nice for he and his wife. I brought his wife a pot of spaghetti the first time he was in the hospital so she wouldn't have to cook for a couple of nights, but am looking for other ideas. He's allergic to flowers so that's out. TIA!

Tell your mom it isn't true. My DS had the stomach flu and a cold while BFing (the doc said that both illnesses weren't as bad as they could be b/c the BFing suppressed the illnesses but you don't have to tell your mom that!!!!)

Some of the modern sofabeds fold flat like a futon but are much more stylish. We've been eyeing one at Design Within Reach for a while. There's also a modern furniture store called Anora in Friendship Heights that has a good sofabed.

I haven't used the HC doulas, but $550 is a really good price. The private doulas I interviewed all charged between $750-1000. That said, it was nice to be able to meet with my doula a couple of times prior to the big day so I could get to know her better.

Love Actually
Something New
13 Going on 30

I spear food with a toddler fork and hand it to my 15 m.o. He likes being able to "feed himself"and most of the stuff makes it to his mouth. Sometimes he tries to scoop food himself (a little lazily) I try to make that something that the dog would like to clean up b/c it inevitiably ends up on the floor! We've only started this in the past month or so. B/f that, he would just pick things up with his fingers.

I second the Petsmart Petshotel. The one in Bethesda is very nice. If you don't mind the trek, Dogtown is also great. It's in Brandywine MD. I think the website is www.dogtownmaryland.com

I am a person who was on the fence (hilary or Obama) and his speech has switched me firmly to his side. I think it's a shame that we don't talk about race in as measured a way as he does in his More Perfect Union Speech. I think it's a shame that most white people really do have "race fatigue" and think everything is great and that some black people still hold very misguided views on the motives and intent of white people. When I was growing up in the 70's, there was so much hope for racial reconcilliation. Our pop culture reflected it. Our TV programming was full of messages of unity and hope. Now we have "black" shows and "white" shows and never the twain shall meet.

I think Obama's minister is very misguided, but I thought Obama himself have a revolutionary speech that, if we all really listen to what he is saying, will tell us a lot about our country. Namely, if we try to understand each other's hurts and anger, we can overcome them and come together.

Does the JPII center have as much to do as the Building Museum? My son loves it there, but the Cultural Center seems like a trek from where I live so want a review before I go...